CENTRAL OFFICE FOIA OFFICER (TRANSPORTATION EXECUTIVE I)

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

7d•$5,624 - $7,624•Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Transportation is hiring a Transportation Executive I to serve as the department’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer and primary point of contact for all FOIA requests. Under the direction of the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel, the officer organizes, plans, executes, controls, evaluates, and analyzes FOIA requests and responses. The position also supports management and the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel with technical inquiries and correspondence, monitors statutory deadlines, maintains department FOIA files, and coordinates responses to inquiries and appeals from requestors submitted to the Public Access Counselor at the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. The role is based at the Department of Transportation’s Office of Chief Counsel, Bureau of Ethics, in Springfield, Illinois. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with hybrid scheduling availability of one to five days per week in the office depending on operational needs. Travel, including overnight stays as appropriate, is required. The position requires a background check and criminal-history self-disclosure, as well as annual and supplemental Statements of Economic Interest. Certain post-employment notification restrictions under the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act also apply.

Requirements

Education equivalent to four years of college; coursework in business or public administration is preferred.
At least one year of responsible administrative experience as a FOIA Officer for a state or federal agency, or at least one year of responsible administrative experience reviewing, analyzing, and responding to requests related to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
Ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
Successful completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
File required Statements of Economic Interest and comply with applicable revolving-door restrictions.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience developing and managing a supportive program.
Intermediate skill in using Microsoft Office Suite.
One year of responsible administrative experience as a FOIA Officer for a state or federal agency, or three years of responsible administrative experience reviewing, analyzing, and responding to requests related to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

Responsibilities

Serve under the direction of the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel as the FOIA Officer and primary point of contact for department FOIA requests.
Organize, plan, execute, control, evaluate, and analyze FOIA requests and responses.
Confer with management and respond to technical inquiries on behalf of the Senior Assistant Chief Counsel, including drafting letters responsive to FOIA requests.
Track FOIA requests to ensure compliance with statutory deadlines and maintain department FOIA files.
Serve as the primary contact for IDOT FOIA-related issues.
Coordinate and submit departmental responses to requestor inquiries and appeals submitted to the Public Access Counselor at the Office of the Illinois Attorney General.
Perform other duties reasonably within the scope of the listed duties.

Benefits

Health insurance
Life insurance
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Pension plan
12 weeks of paid maternity/paternity leave
Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs, including medical and daycare
12 paid sick days annually
10 paid vacation days in the first year, with the opportunity to earn up to 25 paid vacation days annually
3 paid personal days annually
13–14 paid holidays annually, depending on start date
Tuition reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
Flexible work schedules in several program areas, including flexible time and hybrid scheduling
Extensive training and career advancement opportunities